When were you diagnosed and what with?
I was first diagnosed in 2013 with cervical cancer (stage 1B) This was cured but I was then diagnosed with high grade serous ovarian cancer (stage 3C) in 2025 which is incurable. I was 30 when I was first diagnosed, and I’m 43 now.
How did you find out you had cancer?
In 2013 – I had just turned 30 and was living a fun and active life. I played competitive roller derby and travelled a lot as I worked in the industry. I’d had a few odd symptoms around my periods which were being investigated but it was my cervical screening test that picked up changes which led to a quick diagnosis of stage 1B squamous cell cervical cancer.
In 2025 – My second, unrelated, cancer diagnosis was both a surprise and a long drawn-out process. Looking back I had a lot of the classic ovarian cancer symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, fatigue and changes to bowel habits. At the time I’d been under the Long Covid clinic for 3 years and a lot of it was brushed off as that. I saw my GP many, many times and was even sent to hospital for assessment several times but no scans were taken. In late 2024 I was hospitalised with a suspected gallstone where a 3cm mass was found in my left pelvic side wall incidentally on the CT scan.
From there I was referred to gynae oncology and had an exploratory laparoscopy followed by a laparotomy (open surgery) to try and remove the mass but it was incredibly complicated due to adhesions from my 2013 surgery.
Happily a mass was removed that proved to be benign, but just 3 months later a follow up MRI scan showed a malignant looking mass still present. I had to wait a further two months for a successful biopsy and in October 2025 I was diagnosed with high grade serous ovarian cancer of at least stage 3c and I was told it was incurable.
What did you think and feel when you were diagnosed?
My first cancer diagnosis happened so quickly it was a huge visceral shock. I remember crying solidly for days and believing my whole future was gone. I found it so hard emotionally and the speed from diagnosis to ‘all clear’ was a mere 60 days so I had no time to process any of it. I was worried about dying, about what people thought of me due to the stigma around cervical cancer and also what kind of life I would have afterwards. I also felt a bit of a fraud, as I had received a diagnosis but ‘only’ had surgery.
The second time round has been so drawn out it was a bit of a relief to finally receive a diagnosis. It’s still very new so I have a lot to process but I haven’t had the same visceral reaction. I’m obviously incredibly sad to have to live with uncertainty now and my worries are based around planning for the future and finances. So it’s a more practical than emotional burden at the moment. It’s early days though so I’m sure the emotional outpouring will come….
How did the people around you react?
People have been gutted for me to have cancer twice before 45 and to now be living with an incurable diagnosis. Friends and family have been upset for me and have sent and done things to help ease the burden. 
The response has been a bit different though. In 2013 I had a very active social life and was part of a big sports team so I had loads of people helping me practically. This time I haven’t had as many people around me so it’s felt isolating and lonely.
Unfortunately I’ve been unwell for years with Long Covid so my life has never returned to pre-pandemic times socially. I also lost my job during the diagnosis in 2025 so I’m feeling very disconnected from society.
What treatment did you have?
In 2013 I had a curative radical hysterectomy with ovary preservation due to my age (I should probably have got rid of the ovaries in hindsight!).
In 2025 I had a lot of extensive surgery to get to a diagnosis. The treatment I’m on now is 6 cycles of carboplatin and paclitaxel chemotherapy and 15 cycles of bevacizumab targeted therapy. I found out at the mid way point that it’s working and my tumours had shrunk by 50% so I’m hoping this will continue to control the disease.
How are you feeling through treatment?
Chemotherapy has been really tough. I’ve had infections and hospital admissions and I’ve struggled physically and mentally. Weirdly I was worried about being sick and the sore mouth side effects but I haven’t had those at all. Emotionally it’s been hard knowing I have to have the drugs, whilst knowing they are making me feel so grim. It really is a tough thing to go through and I’ve nothing else to compare it with!
Menopause has also hit me hard and the sweats I have from the chemo and the hormone disruption are a lot to deal with.
What’s facing you next in terms of treatment?
I’m coming up to my last chemo cycle in this round which is great, but I’ll stay on 3 weekly infusions of the targeted therapy for another 9 cycles. Depending on the results from my genetic testing I may be offered maintenance drugs to take daily too to keep the disease at bay.
I have asked for a second opinion regarding the inoperable status of my cancer so I’m waiting to hear back on that. At first I was worried I would upset my team by doing this but then I thought why wouldn’t I want to ensure I’m giving myself the best chance?!
How did you get involved with Shine?
A friend told me about Shine as she was joining some of the groups. When I had cancer in 2013 I didn’t reach out for specific support and felt isolated as a young person with a cancer diagnosis. This time round I’ve been really proactive in seeking support and I’m so glad I joined Shine and the Circles programme. It’s given me a way to understand and talk about how I’m feeling which I didn’t seem to have before.
What difference has Shine made to you?
It’s made me feel connected and less alone. The structured support of the Circles programme has been invaluable in helping me process what’s happened to me. Although I’m in my 40s now, I am still often the youngest in the waiting room but with Shine I’m around people my own age with similar worries and goals. I only wish I’d found Shine in 2013!
How do you feel now about your experiences? What‘s been the biggest change you’ve faced?
I’m still at the start of my second cancer journey but I feel wiser and more supported this time round. The biggest change has been the loss of independence for me and the vulnerability during active treatment.
If you could give one piece of advice to yourself before your diagnosis, what would it be?
Get a private scan and more insurance! 😉
